U.S. patent number 7,727,182 [Application Number 10/424,887] was granted by the patent office on 2010-06-01 for manual breastpump with stimulation feature.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Medela Holding AG. Invention is credited to Brian H. Silver.
United States Patent |
7,727,182 |
Silver |
June 1, 2010 |
Manual breastpump with stimulation feature
Abstract
A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of
operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing
mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general
expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump
mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the
handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle
mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as
the general pumping mode.
Inventors: |
Silver; Brian H. (Cary,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Medela Holding AG (Baar,
CH)
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Family
ID: |
31891509 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/424,887 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2003 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20040039330 A1 |
Feb 26, 2004 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60405559 |
Aug 23, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
1/06 (20130101); A61M 1/74 (20210501); A61M
1/82 (20210501); A61M 2205/075 (20130101); A61M
1/75 (20210501) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
1/06 (20060101); A61M 1/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;604/73-76,118,27,30,36,35,33,313-316,119,38 ;119/14.01,14.22 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0147577 |
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Jul 2001 |
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WO |
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WO0147577 |
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Jul 2001 |
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WO |
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2003013628 |
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Feb 2003 |
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WO |
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WO 03/013628 |
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Feb 2003 |
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WO |
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2004000390 |
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Dec 2003 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Desanto; Matthew F
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert &
Berghoff LLP
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/405,559, filed Aug. 23, 2002.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A manually operated breastpump assembly, comprising: a shield
having an interior receiving surface which defines an interior
sized and shaped to receive a woman's nipple and at least some
adjacent breast; a base to which said shield is attached; a conduit
structure in communication with said interior of said shield; a
handle graspable by a user; and an expansible chamber device; said
handle being rotatable with respect to a pivot on said base, said
expansible chamber device communicating with said conduit
structure, said expansible chamber device being included on said
handle and separate from said base to define a vacuum chamber
between said handle and said pivot, wherein movement of said handle
on said pivot causes said expansible chamber to change a volume of
said vacuum chamber to produce a pressure change which is
communicated to said shield.
2. The breastpump assembly of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm
includes a flexible membrane and a rigid puller member connected to
said membrane, said puller member being releasably connected to
said base.
3. The breastpump assembly of claim 2 wherein said rigid puller
includes a disc-shaped portion positioned on an inner surface of
said membrane.
4. The breastpump assembly of claim 3 wherein said rigid puller
includes a hollow post extending from said disc-shaped portion,
said hollow post being releasably and rotatably insertable into a
socket of said conduit structure and establishing communication
between said vacuum chamber at an upper end and said conduit
structure at a lower end thereof.
5. The breastpump assembly of claim 4 wherein said lower end of
said hollow post includes a half lap feature which cooperates with
a corresponding half lap feature of said socket so as to permit a
limited rotation of said hollow post in said socket.
6. The breastpump assembly of claim 1 wherein said handle includes
a first extension operatively associated with a first pivot
point.
7. The breastpump assembly of claim 6 wherein said handle includes
a second extension operatively associated with a second pivot
point.
8. The breastpump assembly of claim 7 wherein complete operation of
said second extension produces a second change in volume different
from said first change in volume.
9. The breastpump assembly of claim 6 wherein complete operation of
said first extension produces a first change in volume.
10. The breastpump assembly of claim 1 wherein said conduit
includes two conduit portions.
11. The breastpump assembly of claim 10 wherein a first of said
conduit portions conveys expressed milk and a second of said
conduit portions conveys pressure changes from said vacuum
chamber.
12. A manually operated breastpump assembly, comprising: a shield
having an interior receiving surface which defines an interior
sized and shaped to receive a woman's nipple and at least some
adjacent breast; a base to which said shield is attached; a conduit
structure in fluid communication with said interior of said shield;
and a hand pump mechanism communicating with said conduit
structure, said pump mechanism including a removable handle mounted
to said base operating as a lever rotatably mounted with respect to
a pivot of said base, and an expansible chamber device included as
an integral part of said handle and removably separate from said
base, wherein said expansible chamber defines a pressure chamber on
said handle, said pressure chamber being in fluid communication
with said conduit structure.
13. The breastpump assembly of claim 12 wherein manipulation of
said handle changes a volume of said vacuum chamber.
14. The breastpump assembly of claim 13 wherein said handle is
operative in a first mode of operation for producing a first change
in said volume and a second mode of operation for producing a
second change in said volume.
15. The breastpump assembly of claim 14 wherein said first change
is greater than said second change.
16. The breastpump assembly of claim 12 wherein said conduit
structure conveys air pressure changes to said interior of said
shield and also conveys milk expressed from the breast.
17. A manually operated breastpump assembly, comprising: a shield
having an interior receiving surface which defines an interior
sized and shaped to receive a woman's nipple and at least some
adjacent breast; a base including a conduit structure therein, said
conduit structure in communication with said interior of said
shield, to convey air pressure changes to said interior of said
shield and also convey milk expressed from the breast; and a pump
mechanism having a handle including an inner surface and a
diaphragm sealably mounted to said handle, said diaphragm further
including a flexible membrane and a rigid puller attached to said
diaphragm, said handle inner surface and membrane together defining
a vacuum chamber therebetween which is separate from said base,
said vacuum chamber being in communication with said conduit
through an opening in said rigid puller, a first extension formed
on said handle, said first extension operatively associated with a
first pivot point on said rigid puller such that movement of said
first extension in an arc about said first pivot point from a rest
position causes said diaphragm to expand said vacuum chamber a
first volume, and a second extension formed on said handle, the
movement of which in an arc about a second pivot point on said
rigid puller from said rest position causes said diaphragm to
expand said vacuum chamber a second and lesser volume than said
first volume.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said puller includes a post
sized and shaped to be rotatably received in a socket formed in
said conduit structure.
19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein said post includes a hollow
bore in communication with said opening of said puller, said hollow
bore and opening permitting fluid communication between said vacuum
chamber and said conduit.
20. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said first pivot point and
said second pivot point are operatively associated with a rear edge
and a front edge respectively of said puller.
21. A manual pump mechanism as for a breastpump, comprising: a
base; a handle rotatably mounted with respect to a pivot on said
base; and an expansible chamber device included on said handle and
separate from said base defining a pressure chamber on said handle,
said chamber defining a volume, said expansible chamber device
being movable by movement of said handle relative to one of a first
pivot or a second pivot, to change said volume to produce a change
in pressure, and an outlet in said chamber through which said
change in pressure is communicatable, wherein said handle is
operative in a first mode of operation defined by a first discrete
predetermined movement of said handle for producing a first change
in said volume and a second mode of operation defined by a second
discrete predetermined movement of said handle for producing a
second change in said volume which is different than said first
volume.
22. The pump mechanism of claim 21 further including a first pivot
point for said handle relative to said base, said handle when moved
relative to said first pivot point causing said expansible chamber
device to produce said first change, and also including a second
pivot point for said handle, said handle when moved relative to
said second pivot point causing said expansible chamber device to
produce said second change in said volume.
23. The pump mechanism of claim 22 wherein said expansible chamber
device has a diaphragm including a flexible membrane portion and a
puller positioned within a central portion of said membrane
portion.
24. The pump mechanism of claim 23 wherein said puller includes an
oval disc portion.
25. The pump mechanism of claim 24 wherein said puller includes a
post extending from said disc portion for attachment to said
base.
26. The pump mechanism of claim 24 wherein said first pivot point
is located at a distal edge of said disc portion.
27. The pump mechanism of claim 14 wherein said second pivot point
is located at a proximal edge of said disc portion.
28. The pump mechanism of claim 25 wherein said outlet includes a
hollow bore formed in said disc portion and post.
29. The pump mechanism of claim 22 wherein said handle includes a
first extension for use in the first mode of operation.
30. The pump mechanism of claim 29 wherein said handle includes a
second extension for use in the second mode of operation.
31. A manually operated breastpump assembly, comprising: a shield
having an interior receiving surface which defines an interior
sized and shaped to receive a woman's nipple and at least some
adjacent breast; a base to which said shield is attached; a conduit
structure in communication with said interior of said shield; a
handle mounted to said base on a pivot and rotatable with respect
to said pivot; and an expansible chamber device communicating with
said conduit structure, said expansible chamber device comprising a
flexible diaphragm mounted in a well formed on said handle with
said diaphragm traveling with said handle and defining a vacuum
chamber carried by said handle, wherein movement of said handle
causes said expansible chamber to change a volume of said vacuum
chamber to produce a first pressure change which is communicated to
said shield.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a breastpump having a manually
operated pump that is capable of one-handed operation. One aspect
of the invention further includes a feature to stimulate a milk
ejection reflex.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Breastpumps for the purpose of extracting breastmilk from a nursing
mother are well-known and generally comprise: a breastshield (also
known as a shield) that is typically funnel-shaped and fits over
the breast; a vacuum source connected to the breastshield for
generating an intermittent vacuum within the breastshield such that
milk is expressed from the breast; and a conduit structure for
communicating milk from the breastshield to a receptacle for the
expressed milk, as well as for communicating pressure variations
(such as the foregoing vacuum) to the breastshield. While
breastpumps that can be attached to motorized vacuum sources are
available, there are occasions when mothers cannot conveniently
plug a breastpump into an external vacuum source or an electrical
outlet is not available. Battery-powered breastpumps are a good
alternative. However a mother who wishes to draw milk from her
breast (that is "express" milk) must, or otherwise may choose to,
rely on a manual pump as the vacuum source.
Many manual pumps must be operated by two hands, one to hold the
assembly in place and the other to drive the pump. One can refer,
for example, to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,857,051 and 6,110,140.
Alternatively, manual pumps that do provide for one-handed use are
often difficult to operate.
Moreover, existing manual breastpumps are not made to differentiate
between different phases of the milk expression process, or
equipped with a mechanism or method of operation to accommodate the
different phases. That process includes, for example, a period
before breastfeeding, referred to as the milk ejection period, or
"letdown", in which effective removal of the milk from the breast
is initiated by the suckling action of a baby's mouth and jaw to
produce or stimulate an ejection reflex, in which stored milk is
released and made available for expression.
The milk ejection reflex is the neurohormonal reflex resulting from
the tactile stimulation of the nipple sending neuronal impulses to
the hypothalamus, and the neurohypophysial release of oxytocin into
the systemic circulation. The subsequent contraction of the
myoepithelial cells within the breast caused by oxytocin moves milk
from the alveoli into the collecting ducts and forward to the
nipple. Milk ejection, or the milk ejection period, is the interval
when an increased availability of milk from the nipple is caused as
a result of the stimulation of the milk ejection reflex. Milk
ejection in women normally lasts for approximately two minutes. The
ejection reflex will be identified in the following also as
"ejection".
The level of pressure applied and the intermittency of the
stimulation for initiating ejection are different than the level
and intermittency of the action for actually expressing the breast
milk. Conventional manual breastpumps do not provide a method or
mechanism by which a user can easily stimulate an ejection reflex
and subsequently commence to efficiently express breastmilk.
A demand therefore is present for a breastpump that is used to
easily produce stimulation to initiate ejection and in addition
there is also demand for an improved breastpump that provides
efficient expression of breastmilk by manual operation thereof. The
present invention satisfies these demands, and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One broad aspect of the present invention provides a manual
breastpump with a pump mechanism that operates in a mode to promote
ejection. Another broad aspect of the invention is a truly novel
pumping mechanism for one-handed operation of a manual breastpump.
In one embodiment of the invention, a pump mechanism includes a
single set of elements that may be operated so as to produce both
ejection and general pumping. In another embodiment of the
invention, the pump mechanism may include generally two sets of
elements, each of which is designed so as to produce one of the
modes of operation.
An object of one embodiment of the invention is to provide a handle
of the breastpump with the operative mechanism built therein to
produce a negative pressure or vacuum for conveyance to the shield
of the assembly and application to a woman's breast. One more
particular application of the object is an expansible chamber,
e.g., a dome-like pocket, which is formed in the handle and is
compressed and expanded by movement of the handle. For purposes of
the present invention, the term handle contemplates any structure
associated with the manual breast pump that is adapted to be
manipulated by one or more hand of a user in operation of the pump
mechanism.
One aspect of the present invention provides a manual breastpump
assembly that includes a shield having an interior receiving
surface, sized and shaped to receive a woman's nipple and at least
some adjacent breast. A conduit structure extends to the shield.
The conduit structure is in communication with the interior of the
shield, whereas the conduit conveys air pressure changes to the
interior of the shield and also conveys milk expressed from the
breast. A pump mechanism is connected to the conduit structure. In
a preferred form, the connection of the pump mechanism is
releasable. The pump mechanism includes a handle portion and an
expansible portion connected to the handle defining a vacuum
chamber. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the shield, as
by the conduit structure. The pump mechanism operably changes a
volume of the vacuum chamber when manipulated by a user. The pump
mechanism may be operative in a first mode of operation for
producing a first change in the volume and a second mode of
operation for producing a second change in the volume. In one
embodiment of the invention, the first change is greater than the
second change. This yields two different pressures at the breast.
One of these pressures can be adapted as the novel letdown feature.
In a particularly, preferred form of this aspect of the invention,
movement of one part of the handle, such as a distal end (relative
to the shield) produces one pressure. Movement of the other part of
the handle, such as the proximal end, produces the other pressure.
In another embodiment, the first and second change in volume is not
different.
Another aspect of the invention provides a manual breastpump
including a shield having an interior shield surface defining an
interior. A base is provided to which the shield is mounted. A
conduit structure is formed within the base including a conduit
surface defining a conduit to channel milk expressed into the
shield. A pressure chamber is defined at least in part by an
interior sidewall structure of the base. The pressure chamber
defines a chamber volume and has a chamber axis. A movable member
is sealably mounted to the interior sidewall structure and is
movable to change the chamber volume to produce a pressure change.
An outlet is formed in the conduit structure through which the
pressure change is communicated. The outlet communicates with the
shield interior. A lever is directly connected to the movable
member and is adapted for manipulation by a user's hand. The lever
is operative in a first mode of operation and a second mode of
operation. A pivot point is provided for the lever and is located
radially from the chamber axis. The lever, when moved relative to
the pivot point, causes the movable member to produce a change in
volume by alternately increasing and decreasing the volume. The
change in volume is relatively less when the lever is operated in
the second mode of operation compared to the first mode of
operation.
Another aspect of the invention provides an improved manual
breastpump having an expression mechanism generating a primary
vacuum for applying an intermittent pulling force upon a portion of
a woman's breast placed within a shield for general pumping,
wherein the improvement includes a manually operated ejection
mechanism generating a secondary vacuum that is communicated to the
shield. The secondary vacuum is of lesser absolute value in terms
of pressure change communicated to the shield than the primary
vacuum. The secondary vacuum ejection mechanism is preferably
designed to enable rapid or staccato-like manipulative pressure
pulses on the nipple/breast.
Another aspect of the invention provides a manual breastpump
assembly including a shield with an interior receiving surface
defining a shield interior within which at least a portion of a
woman's breast is received. The shield is mounted to a shield base.
A conduit structure is formed in the shield base with a conduit
surface defining a conduit to channel milk expressed into the
shield. An expression mechanism is attached to the conduit
structure for generating a primary change in pressure at a first
frequency. A port is formed in the shield base for conveying the
primary change in pressure to be applied to the shield interior for
the expression of milk and a manually operated ejection mechanism
generates a secondary change in pressure at a second frequency,
which is communicated to the shield and applied to at least part of
the portion of the woman's breast therein. The secondary change in
pressure may be of lesser absolute value communicated to the shield
than the first change in pressure. The second frequency is higher
than the first frequency for rapid pulses on the nipple/breast.
Another aspect of the invention provides a manually operated
breastpump including a shield having an interior receiving surface
that defines an interior that is sized and shaped to receive at
least a portion of a woman's breast. The shield is mounted to a
shield base. A conduit structure is formed within the shield base
with a conduit surface defining a conduit to channel milk expressed
into the shield. A pressure chamber is defined at least in part by
an interior sidewall structure of the shield base. The pressure
chamber defines a chamber volume and has a chamber axis. A movable
member is sealably mounted to the pressure chamber and is movable
to change the chamber volume within the pressure chamber to produce
a change of pressure therein. An outlet is formed through the
interior sidewall structure through which the change in pressure is
communicated. A lever is directly connected to the movable member,
and is adapted for manipulation by a user's hand. A pivot point for
the lever is located radially from the chamber axis. The lever when
moved relative to the pivot point causes the movable member to
alternately increase and decrease the chamber volume. A manually
operated ejection mechanism generates a secondary pressure change
that is communicated to the shield and applied to at least part of
the portion of the woman's breast therein. The manually operated
ejection mechanism includes a flexible dome, a dome base to which
the flexible dome is sealably mounted, and an outlet formed through
the dome base in communication with the shield, the flexible dome
being pressable by hand toward the dome base to thereby generate
the secondary pressure.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a
manual breastpump for expressing milk from a mother's breast
including providing a manually operated breastpump, applying the
breastpump to the breast, operating the manual breastpump in an
ejection mode of operation to stimulate an ejection reflex,
producing an ejection reflex in the mother and operating the manual
breastpump in an expression mode of operation to generally express
milk from the breast.
The objectives, advantages and features of the invention will be
further appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed
description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a breastpump according to
certain aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the breastpump of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the breastpump of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a breastpump
(without the shield) according to certain aspects of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the main vacuum chamber of the
embodiment of the breastpump illustrated in FIG. 4 showing the pump
drive mechanism;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
breastpump according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the breastpump of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an expanded sectional view of the pump mechanism and
conduit structure of the breastpump of FIG. 6;
FIGS. 9A, and 9B is a sectional view of the diaphragm and puller of
the pump mechanism of the breastpump of FIG. 6 and an alternate
embodiment thereof; and
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled puller shown in FIG.
9; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a puller
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates in broad overview an embodiment of a breastpump
assembly 10 incorporating features of the present invention. The
breastpump assembly includes a hood or shield 12, which extends
into a tunnel or sleeve 14. Hood and shield are used
interchangeably herein. A pressure-varying chamber in the form of a
vacuum chamber 16 described in greater detail below is involved in
the generation of changes in pressure for communication to the
interior of the shield 12. A collar 18 may be provided for the
releasable attachment of a milk bottle or like container (not
shown) thereto. A conduit structure 19 connects and permits fluid
communication between components of the breastpump assembly 10. For
the purposes of this disclosure, the term "vacuum" connotes
pressure reduction (e.g., below ambient pressure), sometimes also
referred to herein as a negative pressure. While a vacuum is the
desired negative pressure change being developed within the shield
12 from vacuum chamber 16, it need not be the only pressure change
capable of being generated. A positive pressure (or overpressure)
could be applied to squeeze the breast, for instance (the breast,
of course, constituting at least the nipple, but typically also
some surrounding breast tissue). Details of a breastpump having
these general components, but not having the inventive features
that are described herein, can be further gleaned from U.S. Pat.
No. 6,110,140, for example.
As will be explained more fully below, the breastpump assembly 10
includes a pump mechanism (for example, see number 36 in FIG. 2)
that is manually operable in a first mode of operation for the
efficient expression of milk from a mother's breast (general
pumping) and in a second mode of operation for stimulating an
ejection reflex (letdown). As will be shown more fully herein, the
breastpump assembly 10 pump mechanism 36, may be a single mechanism
having two different operating modes; a milk expression mode of
operation or an ejection mode of operation. In the alternate, the
pump mechanism 36 may be two separate mechanisms; each separate
mechanism designed to provide either a milk expression or an
ejection mode of operation.
Further to the FIG. 1 embodiment, shield 12 and sleeve 14 attach to
a shield mount 20, for example, in an interference fit. Shield 12
and sleeve 14 may be formed as a single unit or may be separate
attachable units. The shield mount 20, conduit structure 19 and
container collar 18 form base 21. For purposes of the present
invention, the shape of the shield 12 and its formation with the
base 21 of the breastpump assembly 10 are incidental; the
particular arrangement and details of these elements is in no way
limiting.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a conduit
structure 19, having a conduit surface 23 that defines one or more
internal conduits 25. Such a conduit structure 19 is shown in FIG.
5. The conduit structure 19 supports, connects and permits fluid
communication between different termini such as between shield 12
at one terminus 11A, vacuum chamber 16 at a second terminus 11B,
and a container (not shown) connected to collar 18 forming the
third terminus 11C. As noted above, valve mechanism 24, such as the
one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,229, is releasably attached to
the conduit structure 19. The valve mechanism 24, shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 includes a flexible disk 26, which provides a flap valve for
opening and closing the valve mechanism 24 provides communication
between conduit structure 19 and an attached bottle. When vacuum is
provided in the three-way conduit structure 19 just described, the
vacuum pulls flexible disk 26 against its seat, thereby sealing the
conduit structure at this terminus. When the vacuum is released,
breast milk in the conduit structure 19 may flow freely though
valve mechanism 24 (past disk 26) into the bottle.
With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, one embodiment of the vacuum
chamber 16 is defined, in part, by rigid continuous sidewall 28
with top wall 30. Sidewall aperture 38, formed through rigid outer
sidewall 28 allows communication between vacuum chamber 16 and
conduit 25. The pump mechanism 36 includes an upper rigid disc or
plate 40, flexible membrane 42, diaphragm collar 44 and lever 46,
such that the pump mechanism 36 is lever driven. The upper plate 40
is spaced from top wall 30, and with sidewall 28 define chamber 16.
Lever 46 is rigidly connected to plate 40.
The pump mechanism 36 may include a collar 44 surrounding the
circumference of the membrane 42, and a U-shaped channel 45 defined
between spaced-apart sidewall portions 54, 56 sized and shaped to
provide collar 44. The bottom edge 29 of the sidewall 28 is sized
and shaped to fit snugly within the U-shaped channel 45 to mount
the pump mechanism 36 within the vacuum chamber 16.
When inserted within the vacuum chamber 16, pump mechanism 36 is
thereby generally sealed within vacuum chamber 16. When lever 46 is
pulled towards the conduit structure 19, plate 40 pivots away from
top wall 30 about a pivot point 31. A hinge-like action occurs
between the flexible diaphragm collar 44 and the sidewall 28 at
this point 31. A simple finger movement can move lever 46, as by a
mother grasping the breastpump assembly 10 (in place on the breast)
with one hand, and pulling the lever 46 towards the conduit
structure 19, i.e., toward her body (and against the base as a
stop). This causes the membrane 42 to collapse opposite the point
31. As the collapse of the membrane 42 causes the pump mechanism 36
to increase the volume of the chamber 16 (defined by walls 28 and
30, plate 40 and membrane 42) such that a vacuum is thereby created
in the chamber 16 on the stroke towards the mother's body. The
vacuum extends through aperture 38 into the conduit 25, reducing
the pressure within and thereby applying or creating a condition of
vacuum in the shield 12 and drawing air into chamber 16. When lever
46 is released, the natural resiliency of the membrane 42 causes
the pump mechanism 36 to return to its rest position and occupy the
chamber 16. Given that air may have been drawn into chamber 16, the
return of the pump mechanism 36 to its rest position may cause a
brief pressure condition above that of atmospheric pressure. The
positive pressure thereby created can be used to open the flap
valve 26 to assist in passing milk through the conduit 19 to the
bottle or other container, with venting of the over-pressure
through conventional means. A very easily operated one-handed
manual pump mechanism 36 is thereby provided for operation in a
first mode of operation for the efficient expression of
breastmilk.
While a flexible membrane 42 has been described for the foregoing
embodiment, other means to affect an expansible chamber-type device
could also be employed for operation by a suitable lever. A movable
or flexible member or a bellows-like arrangement could be used, or
a hinged flap that sealingly engages against the interior sidewall
structure for movement therein, just to name two variations.
One embodiment of the inventive breastpump also includes an
ejection mechanism 32 for a second mode of operation of the
breastpump assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 5, ejection mechanism 32
has a flexible dome-shaped ejection "button" 33 attached to top
wall 30. Top wall 30 has an aperture 34 formed therethrough such
that an ejection chamber 35 under ejection button 33 is permitted
fluid communication with vacuum chamber 16. When ejection button 33
is depressed, as by a mother's finger, an initial positive pressure
is created within the ejection chamber 35 and is communicated to
vacuum chamber 16 by aperture 34. The initial positive pressure is
in turn communicated to the conduit 25 from vacuum chamber 16 via
sidewall aperture 38. When ejection button 33 is released, it
returns under its own resiliency to an initial dome shape, and
provides a slight vacuum within ejection chamber 35, which is, in
turn transmitted through aperture 34 to vacuum chamber 16 in like
manner. By pressing the button 33 in a rapid manner (relative to
the operation of the general pump mechanism 36) a sequence is
initiated, which can be referred to as an ejection sequence or a
stimulation of the ejection reflex, which can be reminiscent of the
initial suckling of an infant causing the onset of milk ejection,
e.g., relatively rapid but light pulling and pushing upon the
nipple and breast. Once ejection occurs, the mother uses pump
mechanism 36 to create the main or primary intermittent vacuum
sequence for milk expression.
It will be appreciated that the ejection mechanism 32 need not be
an integral part of the breastpump assembly 10. The mechanism 32
could communicate with the breastpump assembly 10 via tubing (not
shown), which may be attachable to the breastpump assembly 10 for
instance to the conduit structure 19, and be operated by the hand
that is not holding the breastpump assembly 10 in place on the
breast. It is also not limited to a flexible dome in a push-button
arrangement, as described in this embodiment, although a simple
finger-operated mechanism like this is considered most desirable.
The expansible chamber devices could be used.
The present invention may include a spring, elastomer or similar
return device (not shown) by which the ejection button 33 may be
urged back to a rest position from its pressed position. In such an
embodiment, a spring could be disposed within chamber 35 between
the top wall 30 and the button 33. The same or similar kind of
assistant device could likewise be used with the primary pump
mechanism 36 to place the lever 46 back to its initial or rest
position.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The
FIG. 4 embodiment includes lever 46' sized and shaped to
accommodate the finger or fingers (not shown) of a user so as to
provide an ergodynamic lever, having a smoothly curved outboard
side 50. The lever 46' extends into a fastener 51, which connects
with the plate 40.
In a preferred form, the outer surface 50 of the lever 46', as well
as portions of the base (indicated at 60), is covered with a soft
material for better grip and less stress on the hands. Thermoset
elastomer or thermoplastic rubbers are just two generic types of
material suitable for use as this soft outer layer.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.
6-10. The breastpump assembly 110 includes a shield 112, for
contacting the breast. The shield 112 is attached to a conduit
structure 114. A vacuum pump mechanism 116 is attached to the
conduit structure 114. The conduit structure 114 transmits vacuum
generated in the vacuum pump mechanism 116 to the shield 112 and
transmits expressed breastmilk from the shield to an attached
container 118.
The shield 112 has a generally funnel shaped portion 120 shaped and
sized for being received onto a breast. The shield 112 extends into
a sleeve 122 downstream from the funnel shaped portion 120. The
sleeve 122 is open so as to conduct expressed milk into the conduit
structure 114. For purposes of the instant invention, the shape of
the shield 112 and its formation with the conduit structure 114 are
incidental; the particular arrangement and details of these
elements is in no way limiting.
The conduit structure 114 is attachable to the shield 112 through a
shield mount 124 sized and shaped to receive the sleeve 122. The
conduit structure 114 is generally a housing that interconnects and
permits fluid communication between parts of the breastpump
assembly 110. The conduit structure 114 connects to the sleeve 122,
by way of the shield mount 124 at the one end, and terminates with
a valve mechanism (see FIG. 2, for example) as is known in the art
at a container end 126. The container end 126 may include threads
128 or any suitable mechanism for releasable attachment to
container 118, which may be in the form of a milk bottle or the
like.
The conduit structure 114 includes a first conduit 130 defined by
an inner first conduit surface 132 for conducting expressed breast
milk from the shield mount 124 through the valve mechanism and into
the container 118. The conduit structure 114 includes a receptacle
134 for receiving the pump mechanism 116. The receptacle 134 may be
a bore formed in the conduit structure 114 or a bore formed in a
cylindrical extension (not shown) of the conduit structure 114. The
receptacle 134 further includes a longitudinal bore 138 in fluid
communication with a second conduit 140 for transmitting pressure
changes generated in the pump mechanism 116 through the receptacle
134 and conduit structure 114. The second conduit 140 is in fluid
communication with the first conduit 130 in chamber 141 so as to
conduct pressure changes through the conduit structure 114 to the
shield 112 and thence to a breast of a user.
The pump mechanism 116 is releasably and even rotatably attachable
to the conduit structure 114. The pump mechanism 116 includes two
main portions. A first portion is a substantially rigid shell or
handle 142. The second portion is a flexible movable member in the
form of a diaphragm-like structure 144 attached to the handle. The
handle 142 may be made of a rigid plastic similar to that of the
conduit structure 114. Referring to FIG. 8 in particular, handle
142 has a central portion 146, which has the form of a dome or
housing, and a bottom edge portion 148. The dome 146 includes an
inner surface 150, which defines a vacuum chamber 152 with the
diaphragm 144 as will be explained more fully below.
The handle 142 includes a first extension 154 in the form of a
handle extending from a back side 156 of the handle 142, which is
sized and shaped to be grasped by a hand or one or more digits of
the user. Drawing the distal or first extension 154 toward the
conduit structure 114 and generally toward the user's body operates
the first extension 154 in the first mode of operation of the
breastpump. A second or proximal extension 158 extends from the
front side 157, opposite the first extension 154, in the form of a
tab or smaller handle extension. The proximal or second extension
158 may be smaller than the first 154 and may be operated by
drawing the extension downwardly toward the conduit structure 114
in the second mode of operation with a single digit of the user.
Distal and proximal are used herein relative to the shield 112.
The diaphragm 144 includes two main parts. A first part is a
flexible portion 160, shaped like an inverted cup to be positioned
inside the dome 146 of the handle 142 adjacent the inner surface
150 thereof. The flexible portion 160 includes an outer edge 162
with a channel 164 for tightly fitting with the dome shell edge
148. The flexible portion 160 is made of a naturally resilient
material so that there is a tendency for the membrane to be
resiliently returned to a starting position after being deflected
in use. The membrane 160 includes a central concavity 180 on an
upper surface thereof and a central opening 182 (FIG. 9) to receive
a puller 166. There is a thinned transition area 149 defining the
middle of the flexible portion 160.
The second part of the diaphragm 144 is a rigid member or puller
166. The puller 166 includes a disc portion 168 and an extension or
post 170. The disc portion 168 is a generally flattened oval member
that is centrally imbedded within or attached to the membrane 160
at the upper surface concavity 180 and may be held in place by
posts 184 (FIG. 9) of the membrane 160 inserted through holes 186,
for example, such as four holes 186 arranged somewhat symmetrically
around the disc portion. The disc portion 168 includes a central
opening 172 that is open to the vacuum chamber 152 at an upper end
thereof. The post 170 is a hollow cylindrical member that is
attached to the disc portion 168. A hollow bore 174 of the post 170
is aligned to be in communication with the central opening 172 of
the disc portion 168. The extension 170 is sized and shaped to be
received within the post receptacle 134, preferably via a press or
interference fit. Preferably, the connection of the extension 170
to the post receptacle 134 is releasable and rotatable or pivotable
in the receptacle 134. In this manner, the entire handle 116 and
extension 154 may be rotated to one side of the breastpump assembly
for the convenience of the user. In an alternate embodiment, the
puller 166 may be fixedly connected to the conduit structure 114.
In yet another embodiment, the assembly 110 may be formed as a
unitary unit. For ease of cleaning, it is preferred to provide the
various elements of the assembly 110 as separate elements.
Accordingly, for the purpose of this invention, the term connected
may refer to a releasable or a permanent connection.
In one preferred embodiment, the lower end of the post 170 forms a
half-lap feature 171, which when fitted to the receptacle 134
cooperates with a converse feature 173 within the bore of socket
134 to limit the arcuate travel of handle 116 and prevent
over-rotation. FIG. 9A shows another way of mounting a modified
disc portion 168 and membrane 160. Here, the opening 182 in the
membrane is further defined by a thickened ring or bead 183, which
depends from a bottom surface opposite the concavity 180. Post 170
has a complementary channel 185 formed thereon, in which the bead
183 seats.
In operation, at a rest position, which is a start or initial
position, the pump mechanism membrane 160 lies against or closely
adjacent to the inner surface 150 of the dome portion 146 of the
handle 142. In this position, as shown in FIG. 6, the volume of the
vacuum chamber 152 is zero or at a minimum volume. When the user
manipulates the first extension 154 by pulling the extension
inwardly toward the conduit structure 114, the post 170 and disc
portion 168 remain connected to and motionless with respect to the
conduit structure while the handle 142 moves with the extension.
The rigid disc portion 168 pivots about a point at a rear edge 176
thereof, causing the membrane 160 to pull away from the inner
surface 150 of the dome 146, which expands the vacuum chamber 152 a
first volume to produce a first negative pressure therein. The
reduced pressure is communicated through the central opening 172 of
the disc 168, through the hollow bore 174 of the post 170, through
the longitudinal bore 138 of the receptacle 134, through the second
conduit 140 and thence the shield 112. Operation of the breastpump
110 by this first mode of operation is intended to generate an
amount of vacuum at a cyclical rate in order to efficiently promote
milk expression from a breast, i.e., general pumping. A very easily
operated one-handed manual pump mechanism is thereby provided that
operates a manual breastpump in a first mode of operation to
produce an efficient expression of breast milk, with a milk
expression mechanism comprising first extension 154 and an
associated edge pivot point 176. Note also that the handle 142
freely rotates in receptacle 134, enabling the user to adjust the
handle's position to a most convenient grasping orientation.
When the user manipulates the second extension 158 by pulling that
extension downwardly (e.g., toward the conduit structure 114) in a
second mode of operation, the membrane 160 pulls away from the
inner surface 150 of the dome 146 at a distal region by pivoting
about a point at a front edge 178 of the disc, which expands the
vacuum chamber 152 a second volume to produce a second negative
pressure therein.
The second volume may be less than the first volume so that a
lesser relative change in pressure is generated by the second mode
of operation as compared to the first mode. In the present
embodiment, this difference may be due to the shape and travel of
the first and second extensions 154, 158. That is, second extension
travels a shorter distance before it is stopped by the hood mount
124. First extension 154 has a longer distance of travel before it
is stopped by the conduit structure 114. In an alternate embodiment
(not shown), the depth of the vacuum chamber adjacent the second
extension 158 may be formed as to be greater than the depth of the
chamber adjacent the first extension 154. When the pull of the
puller 166 causes the membrane 160 to pull away from the inner
surface 150 of the dome 146, a relatively greater change in volume
is created in operation of the first extension 154 due to the
greater depth of the resultant chamber as compared to manipulation
of the second extension 158.
Operation of the breastpump 110 by the second mode of operation is
intended to generate an amount of vacuum (relatively less in
absolute change) at a cyclical rate (which may be relatively more
rapid) in order to efficiently promote a milk ejection reflex. It
can be seen that use of a small extension 158 is possible and
efficient to promote ejection due to the lesser amount of vacuum
generated in the second mode of operation. Because of the lesser
amount of force necessary the second mode of operation may occur
relatively more rapidly, which, it has been found, is desired to
produce ejection as compared to expression. The second mode of
operation produces ejection with a milk ejection mechanism
comprising extension 158 and an associated edge pivot point
178.
It will be appreciated that other means may be employed to provide
the illustrated breastpump with first and second modes of operation
according to that inventive concept herein, wherein the pump
mechanism is capable of generating both ejection and expression
operation. For example, limiting the travel of either the extension
154, 158 and displacement of the diaphragm thereby creates a
relatively lesser change in pressure when compared to the first
mode of operation. For example, the extension 154 may be permitted
to travel a distance in the first mode of operation to produce a
vacuum designed to efficiently express milk, e.g., from about
100-250 mmHg. The extension 154 or 158 may be permitted to travel a
distance in the second mode of operation to produce a negative
pressure change designed to stimulate an ejection reflex, e.g.,
from about 50-150 mmHg. The frequency of intermittent operation of
the extension 158 during the ejection mode of operation may be
twice the frequency or greater than that used during the expression
mode of operation. Further, because the travel is limited in the
second mode of operation, the frequency of movement of the
extension 158 can be easily increased as compared to the operation
of the pump mechanism 116 in the first mode of operation. The
second mode of operation, including operating the breastpump 110 at
a relatively higher frequency and a relatively lower change in
pressure produces letdown in the nursing mother much more
successfully than operation of the breastpump in a set of
conditions designed for general expression of milk.
In another embodiment of the present invention, indicia (not shown)
could be provided to assist the user in determining the amount of
travel or displacement of the pump mechanism 116 in order to vary
the pumping conditions and parameters to provide the first and
second modes of operation with a single extension. Further, stops
could be adopted for regulating the travel of the extension 154
correspondingly to "Max", "Med" and "Min" levels of vacuum.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a puller 266 for use in the
breastpump of the present invention. The depicted puller generally
has the same function of the puller shown in FIGS. 8-10. The puller
266 includes an disc portion 268 connected or integrally molded
with a extension 270. The disc portion 268 may be oval as depicted
or any suitable shape. The extension 270 may be essentially
cylindrical post with a hollow axial bore 274. The distal end of
the extension 270 includes a stop feature 271 which permits
rotation of the puller a predetermined amount. In this manner, the
handle (see FIG. 6) pivots and the breastpump is usable in a great
array of configurations. This embodiment of the puller 266 includes
o-rings 288 fitted about a mid-span of the extension 270. It will
be understood that the o-rings 288 provide a fluid-tight seal with
a corresponding socket (see FIG. 8) of the breastpump and permits
rotation of the handle with respect to the conduit to which it is
attached. Furthermore, the extension 270 includes a shoulder 290,
which limits the insertion of the extension.
While particular embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are examples of
an invention that may encompass various and alternative forms.
Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed
herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplify the
literal and equivalent scope of the invention as claimed below.
* * * * *